Blog Post

Alumni Feature - Hospitable Etienne

September 23, 2022

The hospitality industry allows a great deal of freedom and mobility, as well as rare opportunities to meet and interact with people from all walks of life.

A man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a river

Thus, with so many different avenues available, it isn’t surprising that Etienne Bruwer, Alumnus of Crawford International La Lucia, made Hospitality his career of choice.

 

Why Hospitality? 
Hospitality was embedded in my being since I was a little guy. It was something I grew up with as my parents had one of the first B&Bs in Durban, so hospitality is in my blood. I have strayed from the path a few times of course, but I always get dragged back into the field.


A case of hospitality begins at home.

Yes, growing up our house was full of gatherings, someone was always coming or going. In that time, I learned there is a bigger world out there and I was curious. I just knew, I wanted to explore the world, and hospitality offered me that.  


A rewarding profession! 
There are only a few careers where you get opportunities to make people feel welcomed, appreciated and valued; hospitality is one of them.


What did you study? 
After I matriculated in 2007, I found my place at the Cape Town Hotel School in Granger Bay - part of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The course was three years and I accumulated one year of experience in different hospitality backgrounds such as working in the bush in Limpopo and at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban. I graduated in 2011, and as chance would have it, I was given the opportunity with Seabourn in Durban, where I became a waiter on their ships.
 

An experience to remember?

I had the most intense, yet incredible experience of my life. I discovered that the hospitality industry offered a fast-growing future that would develop me professionally, socially, and emotionally. So, it was no surprise that in 2022 I returned to Seabourn again where I am now a Guest Services Specialist, an awesome career opportunity and place to be. 
 

Did you study anything else? 
Yes, still within the hospitality realm, I decided to expand my hobby and studied Patisserie, graduating with a diploma from City & Guilds. This qualification saw me work at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga.
 

You’ve worked at some amazing places. 
I’ve been very fortunate. I also worked in the United States for six months at one of the most popular country clubs, called Boca West. Then my journey took me back to the ships where I saw some of the most remote places, such as Tristan Da Chuna, which is located in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean.
 

Are you interested in business within the hospitality industry?
Most definitely. During my time on board the ships, the cook in me mapped out a new venture, a food truck business I called ‘Tres Hermanos Cuban Sandwiches’. Unfortunately, as the business was booming, Covid hit and everything came to a standstill, as well as the business. It didn’t survive. 


What advice do you have for young Crawfordians wanting to go into hospitality?
Hospitality is a difficult career to follow. It demands a lot from you, but then it also gives you so much back in experiences. Hospitality companies are interested in hiring innovative people who can share their creative ideas and invent new ways of taking care of customers. Often, we think that life will lead us on the right path, but getting on the wrong train sometimes takes you to the right place. Learn, explore, work hard and believe in yourself. Don’t ever give up, even when you think it’s never going to get better. Remember, we have the bad days so we are able to recognize and enjoy the good ones. You are stronger than you think!

 

Where do you see this industry going?
Covid has proved to us that people want to travel more now than ever before, we can see it with the cruise ship industry growing as it is. I believe that this industry has become the most profitable and dynamic category in the entire global leisure and tourism sector. However, as we grow, I would hope for more greener ways and to improve our environmental policies thereby making important strides to travel on our planet.
 

Is your industry fun?
It is fun. All the dynamics, all the responsibilities and the feeling you have when you start training and end up in a managing position, is more than satisfactory at the end of the day. I have the opportunity to meet and socialize with people representing a wide range of nationalities, in an even wider range of places all around the world. What a privilege!


How did Crawford help in preparing you to achieve your goals after school?
Crawford gave me a voice, allowed me to be myself and to become the person I am today. They supported me with choice and moulded my skills to map out the future that I wanted.

 

What are you passionate about outside your work?
My hobby is making craft beer at home. It was during Covid and the lockdown that I started making beer from scratch – it’s delicious! Not only does it make my friends very happy, but it makes me happy to see them enjoy what I’ve created.

 

What does the future hold for Etienne?
Once hospitality has run its course, I have a great dream to own a container home that will be fully off the grid and have a negative carbon footprint.


Read more Crawford International Alumni success stories here.

March 14, 2025
Why the Grade 9 Subject Choice Process is Important The transition from Grade 9 to Grade 10 is a pivotal moment in a South African student’s academic journey. It is during this stage that learners make subject choices that will shape their future career paths and academic trajectories. While Grade 9 students may not yet have a clear vision of their long-term aspirations, understanding the significance of subject selection can help them make informed and strategic decisions. Why Can You Choose Your Subjects in Grade 9? The South African education system allows students to select subjects in Grade 9 to create a pathway that aligns with their interests, strengths, and potential career aspirations. Up until Grade 9, learners follow a generalised curriculum, but from Grade 10 onwards, they start specialising in subjects that will ultimately contribute to their National Senior Certificate (NSC) qualification. The flexibility in choosing subjects is designed to help students focus on areas where they excel and enjoy learning, making their high school experience more meaningful and productive (Department of Basic Education, 2023). The Department of Basic Education highlights that subject choices at this stage have a significant impact on future academic and career pathways. Selecting the right combination of subjects can determine access to university programmes, technical and vocational training, or specialised fields (Department of Basic Education, 2023). Schools, including Crawford International, provide structured subject selection guidance to ensure students and parents understand the weight of these decisions. Why Does Subject Choice Matter? Subject selection has a long-term impact on a student’s educational and professional opportunities. The subjects chosen in Grade 9 will determine the courses available to them in tertiary education and the careers they can pursue. They influence eligibility for specific tertiary education programmes and career fields (South African Qualifications Authority, 2022). Choosing subjects without considering their future implications may limit university and career options, creating unnecessary challenges later on. For example, selecting Mathematics Literacy instead of Pure Mathematics can restrict access to certain degree programmes, particularly in fields like engineering, medicine, and actuarial sciences. Furthermore, making well-informed subject choices can enhance academic performance and motivation. When students select subjects that align with their strengths and interests, they are more likely to remain engaged and perform well. Conversely, poor choices may lead to struggles in comprehension and lower overall academic achievement. What are the Compulsory Subjects? In South Africa, the Department of Basic Education mandates that all students take a set of compulsory subjects to ensure they receive a well-rounded education. These include: Home Language (e.g., English, IsiZulu or Afrikaans, etc.) First Additional Language – (another South African language) Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy – Pure Mathematics is required for careers in science, engineering, and technology, while Mathematical Literacy is an option for students who do not require advanced mathematical skills in their future careers. Life Orientation – This subject focuses on personal development, career guidance, and physical well-being, preparing students for life beyond school. · One additional subject, such as Life Sciences or Business Studies, depending on school requirements (Department of Basic Education, 2023). What are the Elective Subjects? Beyond compulsory subjects, students can select additional subjects based on their interests and future aspirations. Some common elective options in South African schools include: Business Studies – Ideal for students interested in commerce, entrepreneurship, and economic principles. Accounting – Suitable for those considering careers in finance, banking, or auditing. History and Geography – Subjects that develop critical thinking and research skills. Information Technology and Computer Applications Technology (CAT ) – Important for careers in technology, programming, and digital communication. Visual Arts and Drama – For students with an interest in the creative arts and media industries. Each school may offer different elective subjects, and it is crucial for students to research their options and understand the requirements for their intended career path. How Does Subject Choice Impact Career Aspirations? Subject selection plays a fundamental role in shaping future career opportunities. Many universities and technical institutions have specific entry requirements that dictate the subjects a student must have taken in high school. For instance: Medical and Health Sciences: Require Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Pure Mathematics. Engineering and Technology Fields: Require Pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Law and Humanities: Prefer History and English at a high level. Business and Finance Careers: Benefit from Accounting, Economics, and Business Studies. In the South African job market, demand for STEM-related careers continues to grow, with fields like engineering, data science, and healthcare requiring Mathematics and Physical Sciences (Maharaj, 2020). Meanwhile, the creative economy offers opportunities in digital marketing, graphic design, and content creation, where subjects like Visual Arts and Information Technology play a crucial role (University of Cape Town, 2021). In addition to academic requirements, subject choices can also develop key skills that are valuable in the workplace. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills are nurtured through subjects like Mathematics and Science, while creativity and communication skills are honed through subjects like Visual Arts and English. Making Informed Decisions. Grade 9 students should approach subject selection with careful consideration and seek guidance from teachers, parents, and career advisors. Schools like Crawford International provide career guidance programmes to help students make educated decisions. Career assessment tools, aptitude tests, and consultations with professionals can offer insights into suitable subject combinations based on individual strengths and interests. Additionally, students should think about their personal learning preferences and long-term satisfaction. Choosing subjects simply because they are perceived as ‘easy’ or because peers are taking them may lead to disengagement and regret in later years. Instead, selecting subjects based on passion and aptitude will result in a more fulfilling academic experience. The Grade 9 subject choice process is a crucial milestone in every South African student’s educational journey. Thoughtful subject selection can open doors to exciting career prospects, while uninformed decisions may limit future opportunities. By understanding the importance of this decision and seeking the necessary support, students can confidently navigate this process and set themselves up for success in high school and beyond.
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Logical vs Emotional: Certain children make decisions based on logic and rules, whereas others are more intuitive and empathetic, often prioritising emotions in their interactions (Morris, 2017). This is evident in South African schools, where subjects like Life Orientation encourage both structured reasoning and emotional intelligence. Structured vs Flexible: Organised children prefer routine and predictability, while flexible children adapt easily to new situations and enjoy spontaneity (Lee & Patterson, 2021). In South Africa’s evolving educational landscape, schools that incorporate inquiry-based learning, such as Crawford International, ensure that both structured and adaptable students thrive. Methods for Determining Personality Types Identifying a child’s personality type requires observation, reflection, and sometimes professional assessment. Some effective methods include: Parental and Teacher Observation: Watching how a child reacts in different settings can provide clues about their personality. Do they prefer solitary play or social interactions? Do they follow rules meticulously or question authority? (Williams, 2022). Personality Questionnaires: While formal tests like the MBTI are often used for adults, child-friendly personality assessments can help identify dominant traits (Harris & Clarke, 2019). Many private schools use such assessments to tailor learning strategies to individual students. Educational and Psychological Assessments: In cases where personality influences learning challenges, professionals may conduct in-depth evaluations to guide support strategies (Naidoo, 2021). How Child Personality Influences Learning Styles Personality plays a significant role in how children engage with education. 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